Couple of interesting call-ups today in Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana and Jake Livermore. I assume Sterling is getting the call to stop Jamaica tempting him like Ghana tried with Welbeck before Capello gave him a cap.

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"You see, in this world there's two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig."

I think that Hodgson continues to move England in the right direction.

From all accounts he seems to be fostering a good atmosphere in the squad and has a balance between the McLaren (too pally) and Capello (too harsh) approaches.

I can well see why he's bringing in these players, they wont feature, but if he has an interest in them in the future its a good opportunity for them to get some exposure. And his blend of experience and youth is a solid approach for qualification and the next campaign.

The well he's going to for talent remains relatively shallow in places (Sturridge is ill so we are down to almost no forwards), but he's doing what he can with what he's got. Moldova were crap, but he's the first manager who's got Frank and Stevie G playing together so far.

I just hope he's given the next 4 years in the job, as that will give him chance to work with the lads who are 17-22 towards a major tournament.

He doesn't do things the way I would necessarily, but you can't really argue with his results so far. Tomorrow will be interesting, Ukraine are always difficult opponents, but Hodgson seems to have a knack for extracting the maximum amount of result from the meagre resources available to him.

He doesn't do things the way I would necessarily, but you can't really argue with his results so far. Tomorrow will be interesting, Ukraine are always difficult opponents, but Hodgson seems to have a knack for extracting the maximum amount of result from the meagre resources available to him.

Which is why he's probably the right man for the job. I'm impressed so far and I was very unenthusiastic at his appointment.

He doesn't do things the way I would necessarily, but you can't really argue with his results so far. Tomorrow will be interesting, Ukraine are always difficult opponents, but Hodgson seems to have a knack for extracting the maximum amount of result from the meagre resources available to him.

I think we all have to recognise that its unlikely the England manager will do things exactly as we would. But I don't think he's made many huge errors.

We can look back at the Euros now and I think you see a manager who had been parachuted into the position a very short time before the tournament started with Rooney out for the first two games (we can all argue how good Rooney really is, but we are so light up front he's good relative to what England has available) and injuries elsewhere in the team. I think it was these two problems that caused such a negative display.

I certainly didn't expect the manager to throw out every player over 30 and start again. Gerrard, Lampard, Cole, Terry all have experience winning the Champions League (or at least lifting the cup). I honestly think you need that. And if Roy has managed to convince Lampard that his role is in mentoring young players then I think that is good. Gerrard I also think has been a good appointment as captain.

The pundits talk of this being a more fluid team. And it is, to a degree. But he still has Milner, Gerrard and co. to work with, not Iniesta and Xavi.

What Roy needs to do now is to qualify with ease and in the process bring new players through. This wont be an easy job. And not necessarily just because of him. For example, everyone talks of Bertrand as an exciting option, but how many games will he get for Chelsea? I'd like us to actually go to Brazil and play well then. For an England team. To try to keep the ball a bit and pass it around. I don't expect semi finals or even quarter finals, but I'd like to see the team play some football.

That brings us round to Euro 2016 and then I'd like to see if the team can put it together. He has imo 3 strands he can bring together then: - a good sense of wanting to play for England and teamwork and will to win - a greater technical focus on how England play the game - new players that settle in to the style that he wants them to play in

Maybe then that paves the way for a Rodgers or Lambert type who can move the style even further to the technical way, but I don't think England can do that all at once and I like what Hodgson is doing, not only with the team but also in the youth development.

What Roy needs to do now is to qualify with ease and in the process bring new players through. This wont be an easy job. And not necessarily just because of him. For example, everyone talks of Bertrand as an exciting option, but how many games will he get for Chelsea? I'd like us to actually go to Brazil and play well then. For an England team. To try to keep the ball a bit and pass it around. I don't expect semi finals or even quarter finals, but I'd like to see the team play some football.

I wonder if the new U-21 Reserve League will help those young players labouring under the glass ceiling in the PL. If the FA and EPL get Sky or someone on board to televise those games and market it right, it could be a real boon, make it something like the College Football system in America (which is nearly as popular as the NFL). I'd certainly watch it.

What Roy needs to do now is to qualify with ease and in the process bring new players through. This wont be an easy job. And not necessarily just because of him. For example, everyone talks of Bertrand as an exciting option, but how many games will he get for Chelsea? I'd like us to actually go to Brazil and play well then. For an England team. To try to keep the ball a bit and pass it around. I don't expect semi finals or even quarter finals, but I'd like to see the team play some football.

I wonder if the new U-21 Reserve League will help those young players labouring under the glass ceiling in the PL. If the FA and EPL get Sky or someone on board to televise those games and market it right, it could be a real boon, make it something like the College Football system in America (which is nearly as popular as the NFL). I'd certainly watch it.

I hope it works. We all know that Barce and Real have their B teams and the Reserve teams games in England have become a joke.

Did this come from the FA or the PL? I like to think that the FA have woken up to the fact that they can't buy short term success by recruiting an overseas name manager and spunking five million quid a year at him. But could follow examples of other countries where they can put together some good ideas for youth development and a proper system to help bring through talent that will improve the England team in 4 - 10 years.

Did this come from the FA or the PL? I like to think that the FA have woken up to the fact that they can't buy short term success by recruiting an overseas name manager and spunking five million quid a year at him. But could follow examples of other countries where they can put together some good ideas for youth development and a proper system to help bring through talent that will improve the England team in 4 - 10 years.

I think it's an FA initiative, as part of their Elite Player Performance Plan, with the support of the PL.

Did this come from the FA or the PL? I like to think that the FA have woken up to the fact that they can't buy short term success by recruiting an overseas name manager and spunking five million quid a year at him. But could follow examples of other countries where they can put together some good ideas for youth development and a proper system to help bring through talent that will improve the England team in 4 - 10 years.

I think it's an FA initiative, as part of their Elite Player Performance Plan, with the support of the PL.

Top-ho, says I. I think one of the short term effects will be that we will see a number of players from the age of 25+ suddenly out on the scrap heap. We've already seen a round of this in the recent set of summer transfers, where teams were trying to shift on some of their older players and seemingly no-one wanted them.

With the limit on squad sizes and number of over-age players eligible for the U21s team there's little point in holding on to them if they aren't going to play and teams are incentivised to invest in youth.

I think that is a good thing. It may also encourage more "older" players to drop down a league (or go overseas) and take a salary cut to restart their careers and I'm pretty sure most of them will have been picking up nice contracts for the last few years when they might not have played, so can't be too sad they are being "downsized".

What Roy needs to do now is to qualify with ease and in the process bring new players through. This wont be an easy job. And not necessarily just because of him. For example, everyone talks of Bertrand as an exciting option, but how many games will he get for Chelsea? I'd like us to actually go to Brazil and play well then. For an England team. To try to keep the ball a bit and pass it around. I don't expect semi finals or even quarter finals, but I'd like to see the team play some football.

I wonder if the new U-21 Reserve League will help those young players labouring under the glass ceiling in the PL. If the FA and EPL get Sky or someone on board to televise those games and market it right, it could be a real boon, make it something like the College Football system in America (which is nearly as popular as the NFL). I'd certainly watch it.

Good point, thing is, college football is BIGGER than the NFL. Bigger in terms of attending viewers and bigger in terms of tv figures. We don't have the size of numbers nor perhaps the loyalty that many americans have to their home-town/city teams. But I do think we need to do something about at least bringing those games and those players referred to an audience that has had little or no access to them. And people who wouldn't mind 'kids' doing their best for themselves and not the paycheque. And somewhat less rolling around on the grass too mayhaps?

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Yeah, that's real fine expensive gear you brought out here, Mr. Hooper.'Course I don't know what that bastard shark's gonna do with it-might eat it I suppose. Seen one eat a rockin' chair one time. Hey chieffy, next time you just ask me which line to pull

What Roy needs to do now is to qualify with ease and in the process bring new players through. This wont be an easy job. And not necessarily just because of him. For example, everyone talks of Bertrand as an exciting option, but how many games will he get for Chelsea? I'd like us to actually go to Brazil and play well then. For an England team. To try to keep the ball a bit and pass it around. I don't expect semi finals or even quarter finals, but I'd like to see the team play some football.

I wonder if the new U-21 Reserve League will help those young players labouring under the glass ceiling in the PL. If the FA and EPL get Sky or someone on board to televise those games and market it right, it could be a real boon, make it something like the College Football system in America (which is nearly as popular as the NFL). I'd certainly watch it.

Good point, thing is, college football is BIGGER than the NFL. Bigger in terms of attending viewers and bigger in terms of tv figures. We don't have the size of numbers nor perhaps the loyalty that many americans have to their home-town/city teams. But I do think we need to do something about at least bringing those games and those players referred to an audience that has had little or no access to them. And people who wouldn't mind 'kids' doing their best for themselves and not the paycheque. And somewhat less rolling around on the grass too mayhaps?

On the other hand don't you think that this could be a threat to teams in lower divisions? It could be argued that the NFL needs the college football teams as that is their feeder stream. We had a lad from Crawley and one from Chesterfield join the Premier League in the summer, but mostly new players are imports or ones already at PL level.

So we have 70-odd professional teams below the Premier League. Some of these are well funded, most of these are surviving. If we take the case that U21 games will be played Friday to Sunday and will be played at proper grounds, is it too big a step to take to wonder how they might become more attractive than the local side.

Let's say I had the opportunity to watch my local division 1 team play, or the U21 team of my chosen Premier team (because they may be playing near one another). I could well see me going for the second. And I could well see that if their matches and TV rights are up for grabs this would also eat money from the lower teams.

It will also be the case that the bigger teams won't care if they lose money. Chelsea spent £20M on Kakatu, seemingly just in case they need a forward in the next couple of years. In these circumstances, you don't care if your franchised youth team is losing a few quid. Maybe it even becomes a way to attract and hoarde more talent.

As I say a good thing overall, but I could see casualties. However, I do pretty much take the economists view that the number of professional football teams in England is probably over-serving the market and natural selection will reduce them.

I find it very odd that I've not heard anyone anywhere who thinks that Lennon should have been called up to the squad? Milner should never be picked for England - he's just a plodder, the media's favourite Walcott was injured as was Ashley Young and so Roy brought in Sterling who has only just been selected for the u19s (that lost 3-1 last week).

I find it very odd that I've not heard anyone anywhere who thinks that Lennon should have been called up to the squad? Milner should never be picked for England - he's just a plodder, the media's favourite Walcott was injured as was Ashley Young and so Roy brought in Sterling who has only just been selected for the u19s (that lost 3-1 last week).

Spurs fan?

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I'm your huckleberry...

All the world will be your enemy, Prince of a Thousand enemies. And when they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you; digger, listener, runner, Prince with the swift warning. Be cunning, and full of tricks, and your people will never be destroyed.

I find it very odd that I've not heard anyone anywhere who thinks that Lennon should have been called up to the squad? Milner should never be picked for England - he's just a plodder, the media's favourite Walcott was injured as was Ashley Young and so Roy brought in Sterling who has only just been selected for the u19s (that lost 3-1 last week).

Spurs fan?

He's got a point though,as I do think Lennon deserves a chance atleast especially if theres a friendly around the corner.

On another point.I see the media (newspapers,sport radio) are continuing to be the utter assholes that there seem to be aspiring too,in easy manner too. It went from 'Cleverly is the next big thing' to 'Cleverly isn't up to International standard',honestly there's times where I really really deslike this country.Hype them up to knock them down.

I find it very odd that I've not heard anyone anywhere who thinks that Lennon should have been called up to the squad? Milner should never be picked for England - he's just a plodder, the media's favourite Walcott was injured as was Ashley Young and so Roy brought in Sterling who has only just been selected for the u19s (that lost 3-1 last week).

Spurs fan?

He's got a point though,as I do think Lennon deserves a chance atleast especially if theres a friendly around the corner.

On another point.I see the media (newspapers,sport radio) are continuing to be the utter assholes that there seem to be aspiring too,in easy manner too. It went from 'Cleverly is the next big thing' to 'Cleverly isn't up to International standard',honestly there's times where I really really deslike this country.Hype them up to knock them down.

He'd have to be playing out of his skin for Spurs first.

Can't see any reason to turn to a 25 year old who's never done it for England certainly over any of the young kids. Plus he's got to get past Walcott, Johnson, plus Milner is a lot more disciplined defensively and versatile, which is why he'll stay in the squad over any of the above.

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I'm your huckleberry...

All the world will be your enemy, Prince of a Thousand enemies. And when they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you; digger, listener, runner, Prince with the swift warning. Be cunning, and full of tricks, and your people will never be destroyed.

I find it very odd that I've not heard anyone anywhere who thinks that Lennon should have been called up to the squad? Milner should never be picked for England - he's just a plodder, the media's favourite Walcott was injured as was Ashley Young and so Roy brought in Sterling who has only just been selected for the u19s (that lost 3-1 last week).

I actually thought Milner was one of Englands better players last night. I know he comes in for a lot of stick from some England fans, being described as a plodder etc, but he showed last night that his workrate can be invaluable. Especially when he has a fullback behind him who isn't a great defender. Put Lennon in front of Johnson and the opposition will fill their boots down that flank.

I find it very odd that I've not heard anyone anywhere who thinks that Lennon should have been called up to the squad? Milner should never be picked for England - he's just a plodder, the media's favourite Walcott was injured as was Ashley Young and so Roy brought in Sterling who has only just been selected for the u19s (that lost 3-1 last week).

I find it very odd that I've not heard anyone anywhere who thinks that Lennon should have been called up to the squad? Milner should never be picked for England - he's just a plodder, the media's favourite Walcott was injured as was Ashley Young and so Roy brought in Sterling who has only just been selected for the u19s (that lost 3-1 last week).

Spurs fan?

He's got a point though,as I do think Lennon deserves a chance atleast especially if theres a friendly around the corner.

On another point.I see the media (newspapers,sport radio) are continuing to be the utter assholes that there seem to be aspiring too,in easy manner too. It went from 'Cleverly is the next big thing' to 'Cleverly isn't up to International standard',honestly there's times where I really really deslike this country.Hype them up to knock them down.

He'd have to be playing out of his skin for Spurs first.

Can't see any reason to turn to a 25 year old who's never done it for England certainly over any of the young kids. Plus he's got to get past Walcott, Johnson, plus Milner is a lot more disciplined defensively and versatile, which is why he'll stay in the squad over any of the above.

His form for England has actually been very good (over the period). It was strange how he was scapegoated in the 2010 WC.